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International Consultant – Remote Sensing and GIS Consultant Advisor

Remote | Riyadh

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Remote | Riyadh
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
    • Meteorology, Geology and Geography
    • Agriculture and Forestry
    • Population matters (trends and census)
    • Mechanics and Electronics (Engineering)
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

 

This project represents the third phase in a strategic partnership focusing on promoting surveying works and geospatial capabilities and a myriad of actions and products stemming from these two areas of work. The key objective of this intervention is to maintain the provision of advisory services in developing the national capacities for effective geo-spatial surveys, generating the national geo-spatial data infrastructure, and generating multi-purpose knowledge from such surveys to efficiently boost national efforts in achieving the key directions provided by 2030 Saudi Vision, as well as promoting the national implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This position will be responsible for Implementing Machine learning Techniques in the Remote sensing department which will improve productivity in producing digital Orthophoto maps, Remote sensing data analysis and as well as Dissemination of maps.

The required services will improve knowledge-based equitable, and sustainable development underpinned by innovation and improved infrastructure.

This position will work in the General Directorate of Map Production (GDMP) –Remote Sensing Dept., brief about GDMP mandates are listed below:

The mission of the General Directorate for Map Production (GDMP) involves data capturing and classification of all-natural, infrastructure and industrial features, building geospatial databases and producing maps at different scales according to national and international standards, using the latest technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

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The objective of the assignment is, within the Framework of the UNDP KSA Country office, to support Advisory Services to the General Authority for Survey and Geo-spatial Information. The assignment intends to provide a high-level service focusing on the following Duties and Responsibilities- Outputs & Tasks.

This includes the following:

  • Design & Development: Design, build and apply optimized, automated and scalable satellite image and geospatial data processing workflows using Python etc.
  • Satellite-derived Data Analysis at Scale: Manage, Pre-Process and Analyze very large and/or vast quantities of satellite-derived optical, SAR, thermal or similar image datasets to extract new insight and correlate datasets.
  • Expert Advice: Provide expert-level automation process guidance and leadership to our Geospatial and Earth Observation specialists when it comes to designing, training, tuning and implementing new image-based recognition, feature detection, and change analysis algorithms.
  • Data Quality Assurance: Develop and implement automated methods to check and assess the statistical quality and reliability of satellite image-derived datasets and with proven metrics and indices.
  • R&D: Lead cutting-edge R&D and product ideation efforts for new satellite data-based solutions. Work closely with a technically diverse team of experts and engineers to design and develop new concepts and methods.
  • Remote Sensing Analyses: Advanced image processing and terrain generation, change detection and object recognition applications.
  • Earth Observation 2.0: Drive the Remote sensing dept’s efforts to modernize, automate and scale new and old image processing and geospatial analysis tasks, implementing computer vision and deep learning workflows.
  • Support technical staff with the development of training materials
  • Assist with the implementation and editing of, Image Processing workflows, and quality control procedures.
  • Research & Development to advise on the Best Practices & Latest Technology utilized in the field of Map production
  • Provide Training, Coaching and Mentoring for Remote sensing Dept staff & development in order to prepare them for current & future assignments.
  • Participate in Capacity Building/Development Plan for Remote sensing Dept., ensure the avthe ailability of right resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.
  • Supporting team members in their assignments & activities.
  • Collaborate with supervisor to determine existing technical capabilities and future needs.
  • Employee’s duties are not limited only to the above-mentioned Accountabilities; he may perform other duties as assigned.
  • Prepare Training & on-the-job training and knowledge transfer program for national technical staff.

 

A.EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

 

Deliverable

Expected number of working days

 

Review and Approvals Required

Deliverable 1

Production of ortho-rectified Imagery

Production of digital elevation model (DEM)

21 working days

Remote Sensing Department Manager, and the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), who reports to the Programme Analyst

Deliverable 2

Geographical names collection and documentation

Update of geographical names database

21 working days

Deliverable 3

Production of cartographic data (processing, symbology, etc.)

Production of digital and paper maps on different scales

21 working days

Deliverable 4

Design & Development: Design, build and apply optimized, automated and scalable satellite image and geospatial data processing workflows using Python etc.

21 working days

Deliverable 5

Provide Training, Coaching and Mentoring for Remote sensing Dept staff & development in order to prepare them for current & future assignments.

21 working days

Deliverable 6

Prepare Training & on-the-job training and knowledge transfer program for national technical staff.

21 working days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.Institutional Arrangement

Remote Sensing Specialist Advisor has a dual reporting line to the director of the General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information (GASGI)-the Remote Sensing Department Manager, and the UNDP chief technical advisor, who reports to the Programme Analyst.

 

C.Duration of the Work:

 

  • The contract duration will be for an initial period of 6 months.
  • The anticipated starting date of the assignment is 1st of March 2023. And the expected date of full completion of all tasks under this assignment is 15th of September 2023.

 

  1. Duty Station

The assignment will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at Head Office, The General Authority for Survey and Geo-spatial Information (GASGI).

 

Travel:

  • UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only if the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excluding working-from-home arrangements.
  • Include any official travel expected to be associated with performing the functions.
  • Any change to the preliminary travel plan/schedule above, in such cases, UNDP will cover travel costs in accordance with corporate regulations and rules.
  • If unforeseen travel outside the assigned duty station is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the Consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).
  • Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the Consultant's travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.

 

Working Arrangements:

 

  • All mission travels must be approved in advance and in writing by the Supervisor.
  • United Nations Development of Safe and Security – BSAFE course must be successfully completed prior to the commencement of travel.
  • The Consultant is responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director.
  • The Consultant is also required to comply with the UN security directives.
  • The Consultant is responsible for obtaining any visas needed in connection with travel with the necessary support from UNDP.
  • The Consultant will be responsible for submitting his/her own mission travel arrangements in line with UNDP travel policies.

The Consultant is responsible for required health and life insurance related to work or travel.

The Consultant is expected to have his/her own Laptop/Computer.

                

Competencies

 

Competencies:

 

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to

details, deliver quality work by the deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic

problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns

from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL              1:            Adapts  to            change, constructively    handles

ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act         with

Determination:

LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of

pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards

others, forms positive relationships

Enable  Diversity                and

Inclusion:

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious

bias, and confront discrimination

 

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Leadership

Responsible for own work

  • Takes responsibility for quality of own work
  • Uses resources, methods, partners, and information effectively
  • Acts as an individual contributor

Innovation

Analyzes and recommend

  • Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant
  • recommendations
  • Contributes reliable production of knowledge services and transactions Identifies and addresses potential challenges quickly and develop action plans
  • Sees specific opportunities for immediate improvement within own field

People Management

Encourages collaboration and improves team performance

  • Takes ownership of responsibilities
  • Involves team in different steps of the process; Seeks and values other’s initiatives and expertise Drives team engagement
  • Produces new ideas and approaches in relation to own team Recognizes and rewards visible improvement in behaviors Sets general individual development goals for improvement in the current position and provides standard development
  • opportunities

Communication

Listens to develop awareness for client needs

  • Respects difference of opinion
  • Finds common ground to solve problems Gains trust of peers, partners, clients
  • Presents complex, conceptual ideas in practical terms to others
  • Adapts communications to the specific audience
  • Builds informal networks internally and externally and views them as part of the value creation process
  • Develops a detailed understanding of the clients’ needs, issues
  • and priorities through routinely seeking clients’ feedback
  • Awareness      of            how       team     performs             against  clients‘
  • expectations
  • Recognizes and rewards success

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required Skills and Experience

A.Qualifications of the Successful Individual Contractor Education Qualification:

 

  • Master's Degree with a major related to Geomatics, Geoscience, Computer Science, Engineering or other related fields.

 

Work experience

 

  • Min 20+ Years in the Remote sensing field, geospatial data
  • Good knowledge of Remote sensing, Global Positioning Navigation Systems, geographic information systems,
  • Ability to deal and manage communication channels (mass communication, social media).
  • Demonstrated ability to guide and manage interdisciplinary teams comprised of staff with diverse backgrounds and varied skill sets proficiently, effectively
  • A comprehensive record of successfully completed projects.
  • Proven experience in handling high-level coordination among professionals and senior management.

 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

  • High skills in the complete life cycle of Remote sensing & GIS projects from Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling to closing the project/phase.
  • Creation of Maps as per business requirement

 

Professional Certificate

  • Projects from Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling to closing the project/phase.

 

Required Language(s):

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English

 

 

Required Technical Skills:

  • Very strong experience with Python development, including key libraries such as Numpy, Pandas, TensorFlow, Pytorch and SQL is a minimum requirement. More advanced professional software development experience will be a significant advantage.
  • Demonstrable experience in training, calibrating, and testing.
  • Experience working with and collaborating well with other developers in your team to build products together. You champion clear maintainable code, diligent version control, clean documentation, code reviews, and merge requests.
  • Experience writing reports, presentations and data visualizations to clearly and concisely convey
  • the results of your work to a wide audience.
  •  Proven experience working in data science and software development teams.
  • Expertise in standard remote sensing and image processing workflows and software such as ERMapper, Erdas Imagine, PCI Geomatica, and/or as well as open-source alternatives and libraries.
  • Expertise in ArcGIS, QGIS and other commercial and/or open-source geospatial software.
  • Knowledge of basic principles of remote sensing, image processing, spectral analysis, photogrammetry, and image understanding.
  • Practical experience handling and processing either optical, multi-/hyper-spectral and/or SAR image data to undertake analyses.

 

 

A.Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

All proposals must be expressed in a lump sum amount. This amount must be “all-inclusive”. Please note that the terms “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the Proposal.

Payments shall be made to the individual contractor upon successful completion and certification by UNDP that services have been satisfactorily performed, based upon the actual number of working days and accomplishments of each deliverable.

Payment shall be made as a deliverables-based lump upon the receipt of the deliverables and certification of satisfactory performance by UNDP.

 

The Expert will share a Certificate of Payment (CoP) where he/he needs to indicate achieved outputs. Then the certificate of payment must be verified by the UNDP Team and certified by UNDP top management. The Expert is advised to keep a detailed timesheet of the days worked and tasks performed throughout the consultancy assignment. A bi-weekly update of the timesheet will be requested, and such documentation will support the payment process as deemed needful.

 

Payment

Phases

Estimated Duration to Complete

Payment Percentage

1st payment

  • Production of ortho-rectified Imagery
  • Production of digital elevation model (DEM)

21 working days

16.66%

2nd Payment

  • Geographical names collection and documentation
  • Update of geographical names database

21 working days

16.66%

3rd Payment

  • Production of cartographic data (processing, symbology, etc.)
  • Production of digital and paper maps in different scales

21 working days

16.66%

4th Payment

  • Design & Development: Design, build and apply optimized, automated and scalable satellite image and geospatial data processing workflows using Python etc.

21 working days

16.66%

5th Payment

  • Provide Training, Coaching and Mentoring for Remote sensing Dept staff & development in order to prepare them for current & future assignments.

21 working days

16.66%

Last Payment

  • Prepare Training & on-the-job training and knowledge transfer program for national technical staff.

21 working days

16.70%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.Recommended Presentation of Offer

For purposes of generating Offers whose contents are uniformly presented and to facilitate their comparative analysis, it is best to recommend the preferred contents and presentation of the Offer to be submitted, as well as the format/sequencing of their presentation. The following documents may be requested:

  • Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
  • Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
  • Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the template provided. The terms “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the Proposal. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under the Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial Proposal submitted to UNDP. 

 

C.Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

 Applicants are shortlisted based on the Required Skills and Experience stated in the TOR.

 

The selection of the best offer from the shortlisted candidates will be based on a Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted a max of 30%.

 

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

 

Step I: Screening and desk review/ (Interview optional):

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

Technical Criteria (CV review and Desk Review/Interview optional) – maximum 70 points. Only candidates who obtained at least 70% of points from the CV desk review (who will score at least 49 points) will be considered for the next evaluation stage, i.e., financial evaluation.

Applications will be first screened, and only candidates meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:

 

Requirements

Criteria

Max 70 points

Education

  • Master's Degree with a major related to Geomatics, Geoscience, Computer Science or Engineering.

MSc or PhD level in Remote Sensing with exposure to satellite image data and processing techniques. Is added value

10

Relevant work experience

  • Min 20+ Years in the Remote sensing field, geospatial data
  • Good knowledge of Remote sensing, Global Positioning Navigation Systems,
  • geographic information systems,
  • A practical approach to problem-solving
  • Promotes a learning and knowledge-sharing environment
  • Facilitates the development of individual and multi-cultural/team competencies.

30

Required skills

  • Proven experience working with government counterparts
  • Proven experience in handling high-level coordination among professionals and senior management.
  • Demonstrated ability to guide and manage interdisciplinary teams comprised of staff with diverse backgrounds and varied skill sets proficiently, effectively
  • Strong working experience with Python development, including key libraries such as Numpy, Pandas, TensorFlow, Pytorch and SQL is a minimum requirement. More advanced professional software development experience will be a significant advantage.
  • Proven experience working in data science and software development teams.
  • Expertise in standard remote sensing and image processing workflows and software such as ERMapper, Erdas Imagine, PCI Geomatica, and/or as well as open-source alternatives and libraries.
  • Expertise in ArcGIS, QGIS and other commercial and/or open-source geospatial software.
  • Knowledge of basic principles of remote sensing, image processing, spectral analysis, photogrammetry, and image understanding.
  • Practical experience handling and processing either optical, multi /hyper-spectral and/or SAR image data to undertake analyses.

 

25

Required Language(s)

Fluency in written and spoken English

5

Total

 

70

 

 

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Weight Per Technical Competence

5 (outstanding): 96% - 100%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated an OUTSTANDING capacity for the analyzed competence.

4 (Very good): 86% - 95%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a VERY GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.

3 (Good): 76% - 85%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.

2 (Satisfactory): 70% - 75%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a SATISFACTORY capacity for the analyzed competence.

1 (Weak): Below 70%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a WEAK capacity for the analyzed competence.

 

Step II: Financial Assessment:

Financial Proposal – Maximum 30 points

Duly accomplished Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Template using the template provided by UNDP (Annex II)

PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

 

The contractor shall submit a price proposal as below:

The total professional fee shall be converted into a lump-sum contract, and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the schedule of payment linked with deliverables. The Financial Proposal should include all relevant costs (consultancy fees, all envisaged travel costs, living allowances, etc.).

 

UNDP applies the “Best value for money approach” – the final selection will be based on the combination of the applicant’s qualifications and Financial Proposal.

Financial Proposal – Maximum 30 points

Duly accomplished Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Template using the template provided by UNDP (Annex II).

 

D.PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

 

The contractor shall submit a price proposal as below:

The total professional fee shall be converted into a lump-sum contract, and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the schedule of payment linked with deliverables. Financial Proposal should include all relevant costs (consultancy fees, all envisaged travel costs, living allowances, etc.).

 

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (30 points)

The following formula will be used to evaluate the financial Proposal:

p = y (µ/z), where

p = points for the financial Proposal being evaluated

y = maximum number of points for the financial Proposal

µ = price of the lowest-priced Proposal

z = price of the Proposal being evaluated

 

Instructions for online submissions

  • Step 1:  Please prepare all required documents electronically.
  • Step 2: Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (preferably in PDF; however, Word format can also be accepted) and upload to the UNDP Jobs links
  • Step 3: After that, you will receive an auto-reply from the UNDP jobs if your offer is received successfully.

 

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described. 

Given the volume of applications that UNDP receives, only shortlisted offerors will be notified.

UNDP reserves the right to reject any incomplete applications.

Please be informed that we don’t accept applications submitted via email.

 

Interested Offerors are required to submit an application via UNDP Jobsite system as the application screening and evaluation will be done through UNDP Jobsite system. Please note that UNDP Jobsite system allows only one uploading of application documents, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file. Your online application submission will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application if necessary. Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows you to upload a maximum of one document.

Any request for clarification/additional information on this procurement notice shall be communicated in writing to UNDP office or send to email mohammed.abbas@undp.org  with a copy to huda.alsaud@undp.org the Procurement Unit would endeavor to provide information expeditiously, only requests receiving at least 3 working days prior to the submission deadline will be entertained. Any delay in providing such information will not be considered as a reason for extending the submission deadline. The UNDP's response (including an explanation of the query but without identifying the source of inquiry) will be posted on the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice page as provided above. Therefore, all prospective Offerors are advised to visit the page regularly to make obtain updates related to this Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described. 

 

The interested offeror must read the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice, which can be viewed at

https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=97484 for more detailed information about terms of references, instructions for the offeror, and to download the documents to be submitted in the offer online.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 

 

 

 

Weight Per Technical Competence

5 (outstanding): 96% - 100%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated an OUTSTANDING capacity for the analyzed competence.

4 (Very good): 86% - 95%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a VERY GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.

3 (Good): 76% - 85%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a GOOD capacity for the analyzed competence.

2 (Satisfactory): 70% - 75%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a SATISFACTORY capacity for the analyzed competence.

1 (Weak): Below 70%

The individual consultant/contractor has demonstrated a WEAK capacity for the analyzed competence.

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